The art of the empty hand reminds us that true power comes from within, not from what we grasp. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense

Some people take pride in how quickly they got their Black Belt. It took me 35 years to earn mine after starting to train Shotokan Karate-do. I guess you must be much better than me, and that's okay. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense

In the dojo of life, every strike teaches humility, for the hardest opponent is the ego within. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense

Always remember: life's battles are won not with brute force, but with the subtle art of adapting like water. This concept has always been applied in Karate and most martial arts. No one knows who said it first, but it was made famous by the great Bruce Lee. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense

The dojo floor absorbs sweat and tears, transforming them into the foundation of unbreakable spirit. Clear your mind, give it your best, and you'll start to understand the way of the empty hand. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense

The belt around your waist is merely a reminder; the real rank is etched in the discipline of your mind. #martialarts #combat #selfdefense

"Transform everything into karate; therein lies its exquisiteness." - Master Funakoshi Gichin #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense

In Karate it is said that "the art of developing the mind is more important than the art of applying technique". I just realized this applies to everything in my life. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense

Martial arts reveal that control over others is an illusion. Mastery begins with commanding oneself. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense

Your Karate journey will always present you with 2 options: give up or bounce back stronger. When something doesn't go your way, don't point fingers. Chances are, you've only got yourself to blame for choosing the wrong path. In Karate, as in life, losing only happens when you accept defeat. #karate

One precept of Karate is to "first understand yourself, then understand others". I'm still struggling with the first part. Perhaps one day I'll feel ready to tackle the latter. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense

Master Funakoshi Gichin once said: "Karate supports righteousness". Letting that sink in... #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense

Finally understood Master Funakoshi Gichin when he said there is no first attack in Karate, even though your first defense could act as a strike. Every block is not just a defense, but an attack in of itself when struck correctly. #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense

Just here contemplating Master Funakoshi Gichin's Precept when he says Karate begins with courtesy and ends with respect. You can carry on scrolling... #karate #martialarts #combat #selfdefense